Traveling from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Chicago: what you need to know
Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be traveling on a direct flight from Memphis International Airport to Chicago.
Memphis (the location of Memphis International Airport) and Chicago follow the same timezone — UTC-5.
The most popular route is from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Take your pick of 51 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from MEM to ORD is the 05:33 American Airlines service. If you prefer traveling later, the last departure is at 18:22 with United Airlines.
For a relaxed start to your MEM to Chicago flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Planning to travel during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Start your journey at MEM and fly straight to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Memphis International Airport to Chicago tickets.
You'll have your choice of carriers operating direct flights from Memphis International Airport to Chicago. Book your journey with one of these:
MEM is around 13 kilometers from central Memphis. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near MEM. Whether you're catching an early flight from Memphis International Airport to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are worth a look:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Memphis International Airport, 79.88% of flights complete their journey on time.
You'll find MEM at 2491 Winchester Road, Suite 113.
How to find the cheapest flights from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Chicago
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Memphis International Airport to Chicago flight is $87. The cheapest price for a return flight is $149. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from MEM to Chicago, book your trip three months ahead of your departure.
Plan your trip for July. That's the best month for scoring a bargain on Memphis International Airport to Chicago tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from MEM to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Memphis International Airport to Chicago.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometers from central Chicago. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 35 minutes.
When traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Memphis International Airport to Chicago. Check in to one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's usual tourist stops.
Reserving your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from MEM to Chicago can help you get the best possible rate.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is located around 19 kilometers from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Memphis International Airport to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 20 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city center in 45 minutes or so.
There are some great places to drop your things at near MDW. Settle in and get cozy after your MEM to Chicago flight at any of these perfectly located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider selection of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Hop off your flight from Memphis International Airport to Chicago and head straight for your hotel or jump right into exploring. Central Chicago is around 137 kilometers from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and usually takes 1 hour 25 minutes to drive there.
Public transport can take you there in roughly 4 hours 15 minutes.
Enjoy a restful, unhurried start to your trip by checking in to a hotel near RFD after your MEM to Chicago flight. Recover from a day of travel or just take a moment to find your footing in a new city at:
Take the guesswork out of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road smooth sailing.
Rental companies sometimes offer deals on early bookings, so book your ride from RFD well ahead of your flight from Memphis International Airport to Chicago. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's official address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Before you book your flights from Memphis International Airport to Chicago, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Chicago offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while the low season brings cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
Lock in a Memphis International Airport to Chicago flight ticket with a departure in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from MEM to Chicago around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from Memphis International Airport to Chicago, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are top attractions which should be on every Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometers away to the south-east, its top attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If you want to check out another well-known destination in United States, head for Indianapolis, roughly 257 kilometers south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are among its highlights.